Sofia DocuMental 2024 Presents its Awards
Между десетте заглавия, които се състезаваха в конкурсната програма, членовете на журито изтъкнаха още един филм. Почетен диплом бе присъден на “Физика на семейното щастие” на режисьорката Аника Mейер за нейното “динамично и вълнуващо изследване на паметта, семейстFor the fifth consecutive year, the Sofia DocuMental documentary film festival, focusing on human rights, has awarded the Best Film by a Woman Director. At the closing ceremony on October 5th at the Cinema House, the grand prize was awarded to the film "I Am Not Everything I Want to Be" by Czech director Klára Tasovská.
The Czech production was recognized by the international jury consisting of film critic Mariana Hristova, industry editor Steve Rickinson and producer Anamaria Antoci. In addition to the financial prize, provided by the Bulgarian Fund for Women and Sofia Municipality’s culture program, Klára Tasovská received the Sofia DocuMental statuette – a glass hammer, through which artist Svetlana Mircheva interprets the strength of women filmmakers to break the status quo.
‘A striking and intimate portrayal of the lifelong search for self, identity, and belonging through the ever-honest lens of the camera. Over fifty years, we witness a Czech photographer's personal journey from the realities of normalisation-era Prague to the vibrant streets of Tokyo and the pulsating rhythms of Berlin. Through her exploration of sexuality, freedom, and the human body, she unflinchingly transforms a personal narrative into a reflection on broader human truths. The film is a masterful use of storytelling, editing, and sound design that weaves together photography, memory, and personal history, testifying to the enduring force of art as a means of survival and self-discovery. For its bravery, vulnerability, and artistic achievement, we unanimously and enthusiastically give I Am Not Everything I Want to Be this award,’ says the international jury.
Among the ten titles competing in the festival’s competition, the jury highlighted another film. An honorary diploma was awarded to ‘Home Sweet Home’ by director Annika Mayer.
‘A heartfelt exploration of memory, family, and the tensions within the liminal space between appearance and reality. Through Super8 footage and personal reflection, the idyllic façade of the post-war family is reexamined, revealing the complexities behind seemingly perfect images,’ says the international jury.
The Audience Award at this year's Sofia DocuMental went to "Johatsu – Into Thin Air", a film by Andreas Hartmann and Agata Mori, about the thousands of people who vanish without a trace in Japan for various reasons – problematic relationships, mounting debts, or threats from the mafia – sometimes with the help of so-called “night-moving companies.”
In partnership with Neterra TV+, part of the festival selection will be available online until the end of October, allowing audiences to experience Sofia DocuMental 2024 from the comfort of their homes, wherever they are in the country.